PART 1: “The First Class” of GTHS Walks Across the Stage

It was 90+ degrees at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino, but the 421 graduates from Grand Terrace High School weren’t fazed. Wednesday, June 4th 2014 will go down in the history of Grand Terrace as the date of the first ever graduating class of GTHS. With a near capacity crowd of family and friends the commencement for the Class of 2014, “the First Class”, was ready to begin. Lead to the field by Salutatorian William Land (graduating with a 4.4 GPA), Valedictorian Sweden Ababat (graduating with a 4.7 GPA) and the Class of 2015 Honor Guard, the Class of 2014 made their way to their seats on the fringe of the outfield grass. As the Graduation Song (Pomp and Circumstance) played performed by Grand Terrace High School Band, the excitement filled the stadium air. The Presentation of Colors by Bloomington High School NJROTC which was accompanied by the Star Spangled Banner performed by Grand Terrace High School Band, then the Pledge of Allegiance by A.S.B. President Ashlin Fujinami. “WELCOME…..to the first graduation for Grand Terrace High School,” announced GTHS Principal Mrs. Angela Dischinger. As the cheers from both the graduates and crowd echoed San Manuel Stadium, Mrs. Dischinger’s speech hit many high points in this first ever graduating class and reminded us of the School motto “Be Great Graduate”. The podium was now passed to Board of Trustees President Mr. Frank A. Ibarra who also shared the pleasure of celebrating the Class of 2014. “Seasons of Love” was then performed beautifully by Grand Terrace High School Chamber singers. Now it was time for Salutatorian William Land to address his fellow graduates. Before his speech began Will stopped and stated that “before I get started I’m going to take a selfie” in which he did and brought laughter to the entire crowd. With a strong speech which included “thank you” to his close friends and to his parents, Will then returned to his seat. Valedictorian Sweden Ababat spoke to the crowd reminiscing the past two years at GTHS. 2014 Senior Class President Alexis Arroyo then presented Grand Terrace High School the Senior Gift. Mrs. Dischinger then presented the class to CJUSD Superintendent Mr. Jerry Almendarez. “Grand Terrace High School made history this year with its first graduating class. It is a great achievement for the district and the community, and we look forward to many more great things to come for Grand Terrace High School,” shared Superintendent Almendarez. After some encouraging words, it was time to pass out the diplomas. As each one of the 421 graduating seniors walked up to receive their hard-earned diplomas, you could feel the excitement and hear the families and friends boast on how proud they were of their graduates. As a parent of one of these seniors graduating; I was extremely proud of being part of the first graduating class here at GTHS, the Class of 2014 will always be “The First Class”. Best of luck to all the graduates from the Grand Terrace High School, Class of 2014!